CVE-2017-5701 in NUC7i3BNK
Summary
by MITRE
Insecure platform configuration in system firmware for Intel NUC7i3BNK, NUC7i3BNH, NUC7i5BNK, NUC7i5BNH, NUC7i7BNH versions BN0049 and below allows an attacker with physical presence to run arbitrary code via unauthorized firmware modification during BIOS Recovery.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5701 represents a critical security flaw in the firmware configuration of specific Intel Next Unit of Computing (NUC) devices including models NUC7i3BNK, NUC7i3BNH, NUC7i5BNK, NUC7i5BNH, and NUC7i7BNH. This issue stems from insecure platform configuration within the system firmware that creates a pathway for malicious actors to execute unauthorized code through firmware modification during the BIOS recovery process. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only physical presence to exploit, making it accessible to attackers who can directly access the target system. The affected firmware versions BN0049 and below contain weak security controls that fail to properly authenticate or validate firmware updates, creating an attack surface that allows for arbitrary code execution.
The technical flaw manifests in the BIOS recovery mechanism where the firmware lacks proper cryptographic verification and access controls during the update process. This configuration allows an attacker with physical access to the device to bypass normal security protocols and inject malicious firmware code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, specifically in the context of firmware and system-level security mechanisms. The flaw occurs at the platform configuration level rather than in application code, making it particularly dangerous as it operates at a low system level where traditional software-based security measures are ineffective. During the BIOS recovery process, the system fails to implement proper integrity checks or digital signatures that would normally validate firmware modifications, enabling attackers to replace legitimate firmware with malicious variants.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of the system's boot process and overall security posture. An attacker who gains physical access to these devices can establish persistent backdoors, modify system behavior, or extract sensitive information from the device. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the attacker's ability to physically interact with the system, which is often considered a trusted scenario in security models. This vulnerability can be exploited to create rootkits, enable persistent surveillance, or provide attackers with complete control over the affected systems. The implications are significant for enterprise environments where these devices might be deployed in unsecured locations or where physical security controls are inadequate, as they could serve as entry points for broader network infiltration.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-5701 require both immediate firmware updates and enhanced physical security measures. Organizations should prioritize updating all affected Intel NUC devices to firmware versions that address the insecure platform configuration issues, specifically targeting versions beyond BN0049. The remediation process must include thorough verification of firmware integrity through proper digital signatures and cryptographic validation mechanisms. Security teams should implement enhanced physical access controls to prevent unauthorized individuals from gaining access to affected devices, particularly in high-risk environments. Additionally, organizations should consider deploying hardware security modules or trusted platform modules that can provide additional layers of firmware integrity protection. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing proper access control mechanisms at the firmware level and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers local privilege escalation through exploitation of system configuration weaknesses. Regular security assessments of embedded systems and firmware configurations should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other platform components and prevent similar issues from emerging in the future.